Insole with arch strap

ABSTRACT

An insole combined with a band/strap that wraps around the midfoot. The insole provides arch, midfoot and metatarsal support, cushioning and a heel cup. The band/strap supports the arch, talus and midfoot and keeps the plantar fascia stretched. The arch, metatarsal and midfoot support of the insole press up against said areas of foot, opposing their collapse, and work in conjunction with the heel cup to limit over pronation. The band/strap keeps the plantar fascia tissue stretched, which can hinder tearing. The insole can provide soft cushioning which can increase comfort by spreading out the force of foot impact over a more evenly dispersed and greater area.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/581,150, entitled “INSOLE WITH ARCH STRAP,” filed on Dec. 29, 2011,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Embodiments relate generally to orthopedic devices for the foot, andmore specifically to an insole, with features that fit the shape of thefoot, combined with a band/strap that can help keep a wearer's plantarfascia tissue stretched.

There are two anatomical arches of the foot, the transverse (metatarsal)arch and the longitudinal arch. Supporting this arch by mechanical meansis an indicated and accepted modality for several conditions of thefoot. General foot fatigue/excessive pronation and heel spursyndrome/plantar fasciitis are two of the more common conditions.

Pronation of the foot, although technically a motion involving all threeanatomic planes, is essentially a rolling in of the foot and ankle, orin even more simple terms, a collapsing of the longitudinal arch.Pronation along with its opposite counterpart, supination, is a regularand essential part of foot function when it occurs within a “normal”range. When excessive pronation occurs, however, problems usuallyresult. To begin with, motion in joints that are not supposed to havemuch motion (hypermobility) cause muscles which are not used to workingduring certain phases of gait or stance to become active in order tostabilize these joints. The most immediate result of this increasedmuscular demand is foot and leg fatigue. Over a period of timeadditional pathology may result from this pronation syndrome.

One of these additional effects is on the plantar fascia, a thickligamentous band along the plantar (bottom) surface of the foot whichinserts into the heel. It is generally agreed that over pronationincreases the tension on this ligament. Any device that can resist,limit, or stabilize an over pronation tendency to any degree will allowits wearer to stand or walk in greater comfort and reduce the chances offurther pathology.

At present, the most widely accepted, effective and long term method ofproviding this support is by means of molded arch support devices,commonly called arch supports or orthotic devices. These devices aremade from a wide range of materials and may be customized by a physicianat the high monetary end of the spectrum or purchased as anover-the-counter commercial item from many outlets at the low end. Theyare durable and provide consistent results over time.

The major disadvantages of insoles are: (1) they lack immediate painrelief for persons with conditions such as plantars faciitis; (2) thefoot isn't securely held in place relative to the insole, which canallow the foot to move out of proper position in the insole; and (3)many insoles don't provide quality cushioning as the materials used giverebound therefore not absorbing much of the shock.

Strapping the foot or ankle with various types of adhesive tape tomaintain optimal function has also been a mainstay method of addressingthe problem of proper compression. While this method is quite practicalfor short term use by physicians and professional trainers, it hasnumerous drawbacks. For example: (1) for optimal results it should beapplied by a professional, which rules out self-application; (2) itstretches and loses its effectiveness quickly (two or three days isusually the maximum limit for wear); (3) it can be used only once; (4)no adjustment is possible after the initial application; and finally,(5) adhesive material may be irritating to the skin, can facilitatefungal infections, and has the potential for allergic reactions.

Some non-orthotic devices have been developed to support thelongitudinal arch in varying ways such as a device designed to controlthe alignment of the foot. Which can include one elastic component of arelatively inelastic material which slips over the forefoot and anothercomponent, a long adjustable strap, which is wrapped around the heel andsecured by a hook and loop fastener. A goal of the conventional devicemay be to resupinate the foot, an action opposite to pronation.

Another conventional device may be designed to fit your foot and supportthe ligaments, tendons and muscles. The device can include a cushionwhich is placed under the longitudinal arch and secured by two hook andloop fastener strips.

Still another device can include a pad of somewhat comparable designwithin an encircling, elasticized band.

Some disadvantages of conventional straps and wraps are: (1) theentirety of the foot is not supported; (2) they do not provide along-term solution; and (3) after they wear out the pain will return.

Embodiments were conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems andlimitations, among other things.

SUMMARY

Some implementations can include a device which combines an insole witha strap to secure the foot and provide arch support for both axes andtotal foot control yielding immediate pain relief and a long termsolution.

The present invention provides a combination of an insole with aband/strap yielding increased comfort to the wearer. The key elements inthis invention are the arch, midfoot and metatarsal support, cushioningand heel cup combined with a band/strap that keeps the arch, talus andmidfoot supported and the plantar fascia stretched. The arch, metatarsaland midfoot support of the insole press up against said areas of foot,opposing their collapse, and work in conjuction with the heel cup tolimit over pronation. The band/strap keeps the plantar fascia tissuestretched, which hinders tearing.

Supporting the entire foot, limiting overpronation and using softcushioning will accomplish three main goals: (1) There will be less footfatigue because muscles will not have to be used as intensively tostabilize the foot, (2) a reduction in overpronation will lessen thestress on the plantar fascia, and (3) a greater area of the foot will bein contact with the insole lessening the force on any one area of thefoot, because force equals pressure divided by area.

The band/strap accomplishes three main goals: (1) keeping the plantarfascia tissue stretched so that it does not tighten, overstretch andthen tear, (2) provide adjustable support and compression to accommodatedifferent foot sizes and preferences, (3) provide the user a way to keepthe plantar fascia tissue stretched and supported when not wearing theinsole, by just wearing the strap.

In comparison to the other apparatuses/devices previously described,some implementations can provide one or more of the followingadvantages: (1) increased comfort to wearer; (2) A more completesolution to their problem; (3) simpler self-application because of thedesign concept; (4) less expensive and easier than buying two products;(5) over-the-counter availability will enhance early self-treatmentwhich may avoid costly medical treatment; and (6) can be utilized on awide scale by persons in occupations requiring more than usual standingor walking.

In particular, some implementations can include a device for stabilizinga foot and limiting over pronation, plantars faciitis and heel spursyndrome.

The insole can include: (1) has an arch supporting base and heel cupwhich minimizes over pronation; (2) midfoot and metatarsal support tocounter foot collapse; and (3) soft cushioning to increase comfort touser.

The band/strap: (1) can be a flexible, elastic strap for encircling themidfoot to keep the plantar fascia tissue stretched; (2) can have avelcro-type hook and loop fastener; (3) can be adjustable; and (4) canbe removable for user to wear without insole or once user no longerneeds band/strap.

Some implementations can include a system having an insole having acombined arch support, midfoot support and metatarsal support memberformed into a bottom of a base member, and a heel cup formed so as to becoupled to the arch support on an interior edge of the insole. Thesystem can also include a strap removably attachable to the insole via aslit in a side portion of the insole, the strap having a releasableattachment member. The insole can include a midlayer and wherein thebase and midlayer of the insole are made of a thermoformable material.

In some implementations, the strap can have an adjustable length or anon-adjustable length. The strap can be formed of an elastic material oran inelastic material.

Some implementations can include an insole with a strap. The insole canalso include a combined arch support, midfoot support and metatarsalsupport member formed into a bottom of a base member.

The insole can further include a heel cup formed so as to be coupled tothe arch support on an interior edge of the insole. The strap isremovably attachable to the insole via a slit in a side portion of theinsole, and wherein the strap includes a releasable attachment member.

The insole can also include a midlayer, wherein the base and midlayer ofthe insole are made of a thermoformable material. The strap can have anadjustable length or a non-adjustable length. The strap can be formed ofan elastic material or an inelastic material.

In some implementations, the strap can be attached on, through or underthe insole in via one or more slits, lamination or any other method ofattachment or fixation, including integration of the strap intomaterials of the insole.

The insole can also include a midfoot support. In other implementations,the insole can include a combined midfoot and metatarsal support. Instill other implementations, the insole can include a combined arch,midfoot and metatarsal support formed into a bottom of a base portion,wherein the combined support is configured to be raised up from the baseby adding material.

In some implementations, the insole can include a combined arch, midfootand metatarsal support formed into a bottom of a base portion, whereinthe combined support is formed of a thermoformable material.

The insole can also include a heel cup that links with the arch supporton the interior edge. The insole can further include a semi-rigid base,a cushioned midlayer and a topcover. The base can include an opening fora heel pad. The midlayer can include a forefoot pad.

In some implementations, the strap can be placed through a slit on theinterior or exterior edge of the base, wherein the slit is configured toposition the strap so as to apply compression to the entire width of thefoot of a wearer at an area where the plantar fascia tissue passeswithin a foot of the wearer when the strap is attached to the foot ofthe wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are top views of an insole with arch strap in accordancewith at least one embodiment.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views of an insole with arch strap in accordancewith at least one embodiment.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are top views of an insole with arch strap in accordancewith at least one embodiment.

FIGS. 7 and 8 include views of the foot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In reference to FIGS. 1-6, an insole with an arch strap (or band)includes a composite structure including base 11, heel cup 12, archsupport 13, midfoot support 14, metatarsal support 15, midlayer 16, andtopcover 17.

The base 11 is a more rigid, higher density foam or plastic material(e.g., a thermoformable plastic). The base 11 can include a heel cup 12with a raised edge that wraps around the heel and extends partiallyalong the sides of the foot and up under the arch such that the insoleconforms to the natural shape of the foot, helping to control andsupport the foot.

Base 11 extends from the heel cup to just past metatarsal support 15.

Heel cup 12, arch support 13, midfoot support 14 and metatarsal support15 are all a part of and integrated into the shape of base 11 throughridges and recesses.

Midlayer 16 covers the entire insole and is attached to base 11.

Topcover 17 is attached to and covers all of the top of Midlayer 16.

Band/Strap 18 slides over topcover 17 and through hole 21 on the lateraledge of insole 10.

Band/strap 18 can be used independently of insole 10.

Band/strap 18 can be wrapped around user's foot and then placed on topof insole 10.

Band/strap 18 could be extended from topcover 17, midlayer 16 or bothtogether.

Band/strap 18 has hooks 19 on its top, exterior edge and loops 20 on itsbottom, interior edge.

Midlayer 16 has the shape of the full insole and is comprised of foam,preferably softer than base 11. Band/strap 18 is comprised of flexible,elastic fabric.

The midfoot support can extend along the center of the foot that runsproximal the front of the calcaneus (heel bone) all the way proximal tothe metatarsal phalangeal joints (MPJ). The midfoot support can includea portion supporting under the front of the talus. The midfoot supportcan include a support section providing hindfoot to forefoot support.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, views of the foot are drawn in accordance with astandard foot anatomy and composition. Foot 1 is comprised of hindfoot2, midfoot 3, forefoot 4, calcaneus 5, talus 6, plantar fascia 7,cuboid, cuneiform and navicular bones 8, metatarsals 9, and metatarsalphalangeal joints 10.

Specific examples of materials and dimensions described above are forpurposes of illustrating principles of exemplary embodiments and are notintended to be limiting. It will be appreciated that other materials anddimensions can be used with equal success depending on a contemplatedembodiment.

It is, therefore, apparent that there is provided, in accordance withthe various implementations disclosed herein, an insole with arch strap.While the invention has been described in conjunction with a number ofembodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications andvariations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in theapplicable arts. Accordingly, Applicant intends to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: an insole having a combinedarch support, midfoot support and metatarsal support member formed intoa bottom of a base member, and a heel cup formed so as to be coupled tothe arch support on an interior edge of the insole; and a strapremovably attachable to the insole via a slit in a side portion of theinsole, the strap having a releasable attachment member, wherein theinsole includes a midlayer and wherein the base and midlayer of theinsole are made of a thermoformable material.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the strap has an adjustable length.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the strap has a non-adjustable length.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the strap is formed of an elastic material.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the strap is formed of an inelastic material.
 6. Aninsole with a strap.
 7. The insole of claim 6, further comprising acombined arch support, midfoot support and metatarsal support memberformed into a bottom of a base member.
 8. The insole of claim 7, furthercomprising a heel cup formed so as to be coupled to the arch support onan interior edge of the insole.
 9. The insole of claim 8, wherein thestrap is removably attachable to the insole via a slit in a side portionof the insole, and wherein the strap includes a releasable attachmentmember.
 10. The insole of claim 9, further comprising a midlayer,wherein the base and midlayer of the insole are made of a thermoformablematerial.
 11. The insole of claim 10, wherein the strap has anadjustable length.
 12. The insole of claim 10, wherein the strap has anon-adjustable length.
 13. The insole of claim 10, wherein the strap isformed of an elastic material.
 14. The insole of claim 10, wherein thestrap is formed of an inelastic material.
 15. The insole of claim 6,wherein the strap can be attached on, through or under the insole in viaone or more slits, lamination or any other method of attachment orfixation, including integration of the strap into materials of theinsole.
 16. The insole of claim 6, further comprising a midfoot support.17. The insole of claim 6, further comprising a combined midfoot andmetatarsal support.
 18. An insole having a strap, wherein the insoleincludes a combined support having arch, midfoot and metatarsal support,the combined support formed into a bottom of a base portion of theinsole.
 19. The insole of claim 18, wherein the combined support isconfigured to be raised up from the base by adding material, and whereinthe combined support is formed of a thermoformable material.
 20. Theinsole of claim 18, wherein the strap can be placed through a slit on aninterior edge or an exterior edge of the base portion, wherein the slitis configured to position the strap so as to apply compression to anentire width of a foot of a wearer at an area where the plantar fasciatissue passes within a foot of the wearer when the strap is attached tothe foot of the wearer.